Acquisition

Smith & Nephew Plc
20 November 2000

20 November 2000



          Smith & Nephew to acquire Orthopaedic Biosystems Ltd Inc.



Smith & Nephew announced today it has reached agreement to purchase
Orthopaedic Biosystems Ltd Inc (OBL) of Scottsdale, Arizona for £18m cash.
This arthroscopy acquisition strengthens Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's leadership
position in the field of arthroscopy and sports-related medicine.


OBL has built up a rapidly expanding business selling highly effective, simple
to use devices for surgeons to re-attach muscle and ligaments to bone in the
shoulder.


Shoulder repair is one of the fastest growing sectors in arthroscopic surgery
and OBL enjoys significant success in this field with its focused product
offering. Sales for the 12 months ending October 2000 were £4.2m, a growth of
55% on the previous 12 months.


Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive of Smith & Nephew commented, 'In line with
Smith & Nephew's strategy of concentrating on high growth sectors, this
acquisition increases our global presence in the shoulder repair market. This
further broadens our Endoscopy selection of products and improved techniques
for surgeons and patients around the world.'


Enquiries:
Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive                     Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc                                   Fax: [phone]

Peter Hooley, Finance Director                       Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc                                   Fax: [phone]
Margaret Stewart, Group Director, Corporate Affairs  Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc                                   Fax: [phone]

David Yates                                          Tel: [phone]
Financial Dynamics                                   Fax: [phone]